The trio were charged under Section 337 and 304A of Penal Code for taking the boat out to sea in a negligent manner that endangered human life and the personal safety of others.

Sharezza and Leong also faced the charges under Regulation 16 of Ports and Harbours (Sabah Licensed Small ships) Regulations 2008 for failing to keep on board safety equipment such as life jackets and buoys.

The duo had also used a non-designated landing point, the Kampung Tanjung Aru Lama jetty, which is a punishable offence under Regulation 13 of Ports and Harbours (Ports, Harbours and Dues) Regulations 2008.

Leong and his mother, Chung, also faced a charge under Regulation 9 Ports and Harbours (Sabah Licensed Small ships) Regulations 2008 for failing to keep the boat licence on the vessel.

Chung also made the offence under Regulation 13 of same regulations as the registered owner of the boat, for failing to report to the authorities Sharezza’s position as the skipper.

Another charge under Section 282 of Penal Code for ferrying passenger on unsafe water transportation was also read to Leong.

Deputy Public Prosecutor senior federal counsel Robert Pasang Alam described the case as serious and high-profile as it caused four death.

Noor Hafizah set RM16,000 bails for each of the accused with one surety each, and for all three to surrender their passports, and to report to the police station every first and third Fridays of the month.

Sharezza,26 , who is serving a six-month imprisonment, would need to report to Pulau Gaya once released.

The skipper had last month pleaded guilty to ferrying people in unsafe water transportation.

Robert added the prosecuting team also suggested the three accused to be jointly tried as the charges were related.